Tuesday, September 09, 2008

And here I was thinking there would be nothing to blog about on the second day of the election campaign...

- Alberta Premier Ed Stelmachsheepishly waded in to the Federal Election campaign yesterday, officially marking the passing of the torch to Canada's new provincial maverick: Newfoundland Premier Danny Williams. Williams and 43 of his 44 Conservative MHAs have signed on to defeat Stephen Harper's Conserative candidates in Newfoundland, a caucus loyalty somewhat reminicent of that held by former Alberta Premier Peter Lougheed.

- Speaking of Newfoundlanders, NDP leader Jack Layton landed in New-Newfoundland (aka: Fort McMurray)the North West Territories and took his message to Alberta's Tar Sands this week, citing the Harper Cabinet's decision to overturn a court ruling blocking Imperial Oil's Kearl Lake development. The development of Kearl Lake only increases the devastating problems created by current oil sands extraction techniques and the resulting tailing ponds left behind.

- On an fairly embarrassing note, Stephen Harper apologized today for a Conservative Party negative ad that showed an Atlantic Puffin pooping on Liberal leader Stéphane Dion's shoulder. Yes, contrary to the evidence before you, these are the grown men who want to govern our country.

- Shifting mediums from television to the internet, the Liberals have launched Scandalpedia -- an online wiki of Conservative scandals (I was excited to first read out about this on the DailyKos). The Conservatives hit back with Dionbook, which takes aim at Dion as well as media and bloggers who have been critical of Harper's government.

Do you really think so? I disagree. He said investment would be easier to attract if we had a majority government... he did not indicate which party.

He also criticized the use of negative ads used by the federal Conservatives. Considering that comment was posted in the morning before the infamous "puffin", it was rather adroit.

What you want to avoid is pulling a Ralph Klein. He did that.

So while I certainly disagree with the "sheepish" adverb, maybe the title of your post was a hidden commendation? As in, we now have a Premier who doesn't run off his mouth at the slightest opportunity (I am sure reporters were digging for any quote they could from Alberta and Saskatchewan that would be interpreted in an "Eastern Bastards" theme). If it was a commendation, maybe there is hope for you yet Dave.

Can Ed Stelmach sincerely preach against negative campaigning? Last March he accused Kevin Taft of being the spirit of Pierre Trudeau and wanting to bring back the NEP. Which is and was complete nonsense.

The Conservative negative ads in this campaign are disrespectful and disgraceful to the entire democratic process.

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The opinions expressed on this blog represent my own and not those of my employer or any organization I may be affiliated with.In addition, my thoughts and opinions change from time to time. I consider this a necessary consequence of having an open mind. This blog is intended to provide a semi-permanent point in time snapshot and manifestation of the various ideas running around my brain, and as such any thoughts and opinions expressed within out-of-date posts may not the same, nor even similar, to those I may hold today.

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Who is Dave Cournoyer? I am a writer, blogger, communicator, occasional media pundit, political watcher, & proud life-long Albertan. I studied Political Science at the University of Alberta and have served as Vice-President (External) of the U of A Students' Union, Chair of the Council of Alberta University Students, and communications coordinator for Alberta's official opposition party.